Cost vs. Brand

[Mossy Man]

Ruger GP100 blue 4" in .357 mag. Use 38sp +p.

Lighter revolvers are recoil heavy.

Medium sized revolvers like the GP soak up that recoil and make .38 soft and fun.

[bounty1]

Ruger GP100 blue 4" in .357 mag. Use 38sp +p.

Lighter revolvers are recoil heavy.

Medium sized revolvers like the GP soak up that recoil and make .38 soft and fun.

Good solid gun.

[Ant45]

S&W or Ruger, you get what you pay for and they will last you your lifetime.

[SkyHawk]

I'd go Ruger or S&W. You'd be good with a SP101 or GP100 from Ruger. But the Ruger LCR has maybe the nicest trigger of the basic production revolvers, with a smooth cammed action giving a mechanical advantage and a shorter reach that my wife appreciates - she usually has a hard time with DA triggers. She has trouble completing the DA pull on my Dan Wesson 4" mid size frame.

But the .357 LCR is only available in a snub for now. The 38SPL +P is available in a 3" model. They have a gel insert in the back strap of the grip (factory Hogue tamer grip) to soak up recoil. The frames are polymer so they are lighter than all steel revolvers but the grip makes up for the felt recoil. Try one if you can, even if it is just dry fire in the store.

[BigPimping]

Korth........You get what you pay for.

[bsg]

Korth........You get what you pay for.

i'd love to own a Korth.

[L-2]

She still hasn't gotten her own handgun yet? It's been over a year.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=994323

Maybe, you were referring to a different woman back then.

Analysis leads to paralysis as they say.
Also, both of you go to this website and read it over:

http://www.corneredcat.com

As soon as she can, buy something. You might as well get a case of ammo, too. It's not a lot. Plan on practicing and shooting ~50 to 100 rounds per session. That case won't last long and you'll likely need more practice. Then it's time for another case of ammo. Oops, you've now spent about the same amount on ammo as you've spent on the gun itself. Let us know what you get, even if it's not until next year!

[musketjon]

Ruger all the way. They're solid and reliable. My fiancee wants one.
Jon